Rajini on Damage Control After Cauvery Comments Threaten ‘Kaala’

With the state film chamber banning ‘Kaala’ in Karnataka, Rajini is hopeful the government will step in.

There are just a few days left for Rajinikanth’s much awaited Kaala to be released and the movie has been hitting obstacles one after the other.

The Film Chamber of Commerce in Karnataka has banned Kaala following Rajinikanth’s remarks, a few days back. The actor had said that no matter which party comes to power, Karnataka should release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

On Monday, 4 June, Rajinikanth’s daughter and son-in-law Dhanush, moved the Karnataka High Court seeking necessary security arrangements to be provided to theatres which will screen Kaala. They also sought direction from the court restraining the government from restricting the movie’s release.

Rajinikanth also expressed hope that the Karnataka government will ensure smooth release of his latest film.

“I expected a lot of controversy for this movie but I am surprised it is considerably lesser," he said.

I am sure the government of Karnataka will make all arrangements for the release and even if there are any problems, they will provide security (to theatres that screen the movie). Above all, I am sure Deve Gowda will not allow the film to be banned. 

Rajinikanth

With his signature laugh, the actor added that he expected much more opposition to Kaala.

When asked what he had to tell about the leaders who have been calling his recent visit to Tuticorin to meet the victims of the anti-Sterlite protests a promotional gimmick, he asserted that he does not resort to “such means at this age” to promote his films.

By god’s grace and the blessings and support of the people and my fans, I am sure this movie (will be a success).

Rajinikanth

He also said that cinema and politics are two different fields but people will combine the two and talk and there is nothing that can be done about that.

After Rajinikanth’s statement on the Cauvery issue, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had responded by asking the actor to visit the state and see the condition of farmers and the water level in the dams before commenting on the matter.

However, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan sure earned a few brownie points after he visited Kumaraswamy to request him to release water downstream for the kuruvai crop. He clarified that his discussion with the CM did not revolve around films. “This discussion was nothing about films. There is chamber to look into it. This (Cauvery issue) is more important,” said the Makkal Needhi Maiam chief.